John Gilbert McKinney, 85, of Victoria, BC, passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice on May 16th, 2025 after a long and hard fought battle with cancer.
John was born on July 18th, 1939 to John and Beatrice McKinney in Deloraine, MB. He grew up in Melita, MB and resided there until he joined the Canadian Navy shortly before his 18th birthday. During his Navy years he was stationed in Victoria and served on a destroyer which gave him the opportunity to travel to many different countries. Of all the places he visited, Japan was his favorite.
After he left the Navy he made his home in Victoria permanently and lived there for 60 years. John worked in the BC forest industry until he retired in 1995.
John had a kind heart and loved to help others. Over the years he developed many long lasting friendships. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him over the years (especially all of his dear friends at Colwood Lodge where he lived the last 31 years).
John was predeceased by his father and mother, step-mother Daisy McKinney, and brothers Gerald and David McKinney. He is survived by his sister Judi (Stan) Halter, step-sister Carol Ross, brother Kevin McKinney, sister-in-law Nancy McKinney, and several loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Colwood Lodge, 85 Belmont Rd., Victoria BC,
John’s ashes will be interred in Melita alongside his father and step-mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Victoria Hospice (1952 Bay St, Richmond Pavilion Third Floor, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8) where he received wonderful care from the compassionate staff during the last weeks of his life.
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John was a kind and gentle man. I loved listening to his stories of his travels. He will be missed here at Colwood Lodge.
I didn’t know John very long but it is clear to see that he was loved at Colwood Lodge!! From time to time I would see John and I always felt his kindness despite how bad or good his day was going. I will miss seeing him but I understand that he was suffering a lot! My condolences to his family and close friends!!!! RIP John!!
John will be missed I knew him when I lived at Colwood Lodge a big heart and a kind sole. He could tell stories of anyone listened. John was a person you could never forget we Loved you John
John was among the first neighbors I met when I moved to Colwood Lodge in 2016. He was always easy to talk with, and had interesting stories of his childhood and working years. Even though I do not follow sports, I would visit with him at his apartment where he enjoyed watching the NHL and Major League Baseball… his pet peeve was always the Refferees making bad calls against the team he was rooting for, or ignoring a “penalty call” on the opposing side.
I knew John to be blunt with his opinions and genuinely kind-hearted to those around him. He was a good friend to me. It was my privilege to help him stay in his apartment for as long as possible by going on errands of grocery shopping and banking, and to his weekly appointments with the Community Nurse in Langford.
John, you were a good friend to have. I’ll miss our conversations and your strong opinions….
I’ll see you again!